We have been getting many calls about whether or not we are accepting new patients and admitting into our residences. Yes, we most certainly are, as vacancy restrictions allow.

UPDATED MARCH 26, 2020

Re: Visiting a Center for Hope Residence

Due to the coronavirus pandemic and in the interests of the safety of our patients and staff, there will be no visitors allowed until further notice. For more information call 908-889-7780.

We regret these necessary steps and we ask for your cooperation and understanding during these difficult times.

UPDATED MARCH 20, 2020

Re: Patients Residing At Home

Dear Patients, Caregivers and Families:

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has forced every American to change their behavior in an effort to protect themselves and others from contracting the virus. We at the Center for Hope have fully embraced these measures and whole-heartedly support the efforts of the Centers for Disease Control and our local health departments to protect the well-being of our population.

Balancing these concerns is our commitment to quality patient care no matter what barriers may present. Therefore, the Center is taking the following steps to minimize the number of our staff who must enter your home without sacrificing the services of those staff who are necessary:

Before every visit by any staff member, you will be called and asked the following:1. Do you have a fever, sore throat, cough or shortness of breath?2. Have you had contact with someone who has been infected with or is suspected to be infected with the COVID-19 virus?3. Do you reside in a community where community-based spread is occurring?4. Have you traveled to countries with sustained community transmission, such as China, Japan, South Korea, Iran or Italy within the last 14 days?If you answer ‘YES’ to any of these questions, a staff member will describe additional precautions that must be taken.

- Our Patient Response System remains completely operational. If you need a nurse to visit in an emergency, no matter what time of the day or night, we assure you that a nurse will be available and will make that visit.

- Nursing visits will continue as planned. However, even nursing visits can be limited if the patient, family, caregiver and physician agree. To request a change in the frequency of our nursing visits, please speak with your case managing nurse. Patients need to understand that the frequency of visits is by doctor’s orders and the doctor must change those orders for our nurses to be able to comply.

- Home Health Aide (HHA) services will continue at your discretion. No action is needed if you would like the HHA there on his/her current schedule. However, if you would like to reduce the number of days the HHA is in your home; or, temporarily discontinue the service, you must call Aleeya Morgan at 908-889-7780 to arrange this change.

- Chaplains and social workers will check in with our patients and families by phone and will visit patients if deemed necessary by our patient, caregiver or family.

- If you are in need of supplies that relate to the care and treatment of the patient, those supplies will be ordered and delivered. In the short-term, please be aware that some supplies (widely reported in the media) may not be available, may be severely limited or may be delayed.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is used to create a barrier between the virus and the caregiver. All of our home-visiting staff will be wearing some form of PPE, such as our usual gloves, but also masks, shoe coverings and in some rare cases, gowns. The use of PPE will be determined by the nurse and will be based on CDC recommendations and the comfort of our patients and families.

Please remember that any overt signs of the COVID-19 disease, such as fever, sore throat and coughing, may necessitate that both the caregiver and the patient be masked.

Additionally, the Center’s residences in Elizabeth and Scotch Plains are open and available for respite care, should it be needed (as occupancy allows).

Finally, if you feel that there are additional steps the Center should be taking, we would like to hear from you. Please note that the Center is a highly regulated organization and some suggestions may conflict with existing regulations. However, that should not discourage you from expressing any idea that you think is valuable.

It is our desire, our hope, and our responsibility to remain open, available, and responsive to the needs of our patients. Everyone at the Center is dedicated to continuing our mission regardless of the current crisis. As things change, we will endeavor to keep you informed as quickly as we can. Thank you for trusting the Center with your care or the care of someone you love.